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The Scottish Government has reduced non-domestic rates bills this year by cutting the poundage, limiting the extent of the large business supplement and expanding the Small Business Bonus Scheme - as well as targeting further support in light of the 2017 revaluation.

The Scottish Government has now also responded to the Barclay review of non-domestic rates, committing to a range of measures to support investment, development and growth. The impacts of all changes are considered carefully informed by wide-ranging engagement with industry.

The Scottish Government does not collect this information.

The Scottish Government has met with a wide range of businesses and their representative organisations across Scotland over the last year to discuss
non-domestic rates, but does not hold confirmed attendance details for all engagements.

This information is published on the Transport Scotland website at: .

The Programme for Government sets a bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032.

This ambition is underpinned by our recently published Switched on Scotland Action Plan and builds on the range of incentives we already provide to local authorities, businesses and individuals. The Action Plan was developed through a series of workshops representing over 100 participants from 58 organisations.

In addition, the ambition is informed by the detailed analysis that supported the development of the draft Climate Change Plan. We will consider this in further detail as part of finalising the Climate Change Plan.

We look forward to working with stakeholders across the country as we take forward our plans.

As detailed in last week’s Programme for Government announcement, in order to lead the way on electric vehicles, we plan to significantly expand our electric charging infrastructure between now and 2022, whether in rural, urban or domestic settings. We will set out detailed plans over the coming months.

As detailed in last week’s Programme for Government announcement, in order to lead the way on electric vehicles we plan to significantly expand our electric charging infrastructure between now and 2022, in rural, urban and domestic settings. To identify the optimum placement of electric vehicle charging points we will build on the knowledge gained from our experience of installing public charge points since 2012, using the data of current driver use from our network operator, ChargePlace Scotland, and continue to work with key stakeholders such as all local authorities, the Energy Saving Trust and members of the E-cosse stakeholder group to determine suitable future locations.

The Scottish Government uses procurement and climate change policy, law and practice to achieve circular economy outcomes in public contracts and frameworks. ‘’ commits us to working with public organisations to identify the products and services where innovation and best practice in public procurement can have the greatest benefit in promoting circular approaches such as leasing, repair and remanufacture, while delivering value for money. Using the national sustainable procurement training framework, selected projects across Scotland are receiving support to embed circular economy outcomes and to test Zero Waste Scotland guidance on ‘Procuring for reuse, repair & remanufacturing’. Frameworks already in place include the national Office Equipment Framework, Scotland Excel’s framework for Outdoor Play Equipment and Artificial Surfaces and their framework for domestic furniture and furnishings.

The sustainable procurement training framework is also being used to develop training that specifically addresses ways to identify and to achieve circular economy outcomes through procurement. Over 700 people have received training on the Scottish Government’s approach to sustainable procurement and a further range of tailored courses are available.

A range of case studies relating to sustainable procurement have already been published, () and more will be developed as this work continues.

Individual financing decisions should be made on the basis of Best Value.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the whole of Scotland to adopt low carbon transport.

One example is the development of the ChargePlace Scotland electric vehicle charging network. We have partnered with all 32 local authorities to meet local needs, delivering a comprehensive network covering the whole country.

Another example is changes made to the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) scheme in April 2012 which were designed to encourage fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and re-distribute grant in favour of longer and more rural services.

For the future, our review of the National Transport Strategy (NTS) will balance a number of agendas, as reflected in the working groups we have set up under the review – which include a combined Greener and Healthier Working Group and a Tackling Inequality Working Group.

Local Energy Scotland, who deliver the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Schemes (CARES) work with communities to deliver community owned renewable energy, which includes considering the potential for procuring refurbished/remanufactured wind turbines. Examples of where these have been used are the Coigach and East Neuk joint Communities which were commissioned using refurbished wind turbines on 29 March 2017 and 20 August 2016 respectively.

In 2016 Local Energy Scotland produced a guidance note to help communities looking to procure refurbished and remanufactured wind turbines. The document brought together expertise of community groups who have purchased refurbished or remanufactured wind turbines, their suppliers in the UK, and Ricardo Energy & Environment’s expertise. The guidance note highlights the potential benefits of procuring a refurbished or remanufactured turbine for example, a likely higher return on investment due to cheaper cost. It also outlines the key factors communities should first take into consideration such as performance and operational life. The guidance note can be found at;